Value add agro-products, people urged

There is need to scale up value addition on agro-products by small holder farmers in order to realise the objectives of ZIMASSET.

This came out during the Matabeleland South Provincial Food Fair that was held at Esikhovheni Training Centre in Esigodini this Thursday.

The annual food fair provided exhibitors from different cultural backgrounds a platform to showcase various traditional dishes made from locally produced crops and fruits as well exchange ideas to improve food production and nutrition.

Ms Rumbidzani Rubombo of Beitbridge spoke about some of the unique Venda dishes that were on display and encouraged people to appreciate their ethnic food over unhealthy dishes that many have become accustomed to.

The Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Abigail Damasane said food fairs provide communities with an opportunity to meet with potential buyers, given that the market for locally processed food has increased.

In a speech read on his behalf, the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Cde Abednico Ncube said it is imperative to assist farmers to not only produce food but to process and preserve it.

The food fair that was held at Esikhovheni Training Centre ran under the banner: ‘Food Security Through Local Dried Fruits and Vegetables – Value Addition My Empowerment.’